Bill Gates has announced that he will not participate in the ongoing India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, stepping back from a planned address at the event.
The decision has raised questions about its timing, as it comes amid renewed attention following recently released investigative documents in the United States related to controversies involving Jeffrey Epstein.
In a statement, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said the move was made to ensure that the six-day summit remains focused on discussions around artificial intelligence and policy issues. The foundation added that the decision followed internal consultations.
— Gates Foundation India (@BMGFIndia) February 19, 2026
Ankur Vora, who oversees the foundation’s operations in Africa and India, will represent the organization at the summit and address participants. In the revised programme, Gates’ name was not listed among keynote speakers, which had already sparked speculation.
According to organizers, the 2026 edition is the largest gathering so far, bringing together delegates from more than 20 countries along with leading AI experts. Previous editions of the conference were held in the United Kingdom, South Korea, and France.